Guest: Dr Theo De Jager - Board Chair of Policy Research and Analysis at the Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Policy Analysis (FANRPAN) Southern Africa is in the grip of an urgent crisis with a record-breaking dry spell lasting over 30 days scorching eight countries - Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. El Niño and climate change are fueling this disaster, inflicting severe damage to crops and livestock over the past five years. Experts highlight that the situation is dire and demands immediate attention. Widespread crop failure looms in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Livestock are dying at alarming rates due to a lack of water and vegetation. The movement of desperate people and animals is spreading diseases, including those transmissible to humans with over 9000 cattle deaths being reported since October 2023. This is a humanitarian crisis demanding immediate action to negate the worsening of the suffering of communities within the SADC region. We find out from our guest this evening the extent of this problem and the urgent interventions needed. 

Guest: Dr Linda Meyer -  Education expert, and Managing Director of Rosebank College The practice of awarding honorary doctorates indeed carries a rich tradition, recognising individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their fields or society at large. However, controversies surrounding the legitimacy of such awards have also arisen, particularly when institutions not authorised to grant degrees confer them. In South Africa, where there's been an increase in both legitimate and questionable awards of honorary doctorates, scrutiny becomes essential with the Department of Higher Education's condemnation of certain institutions for awarding honorary degrees highlights the need for oversight and regulation. With the recurring trend of bogus institution awarding these degrees we take a moment this evening to discuss the merits and credibility of honorary doctorates. Public awareness and education about the significance of honorary doctorates can also help mitigate controversies and ensure that these accolades retain their prestige and credibility.  Furthermore we interrogate the role of the council for higher education maintaining the integrity of honorary doctorates.

Guest: Dr Caitlin Frisby - Postdoctoral Researcher and Audiologist at The Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at UP In Africa, an estimated 136 million people are currently living with hearing loss, a figure expected to swell to 337 million by 2050.  This silent epidemic has profound social and economic repercussions contributing to a global cost of untreated hearing loss estimated at US$980 billion annually.  In Africa it is exacerbated by a dire shortage of audiologists, with fewer than one for every million people, and the prohibitive costs of hearing aids for many in low- to middle-income countries. Only 2% of those who need hearing aids in Africa wear them. It is for this reason a University of Pretoria professor of audiology in collaboration with the World Health Organisation and the hearX Foundation are Revolutionising access to hearing care by pioneering community-based hearing care initiatives in low-income communities in Kenya, as well as Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mbekweni, Atteridgeville and the Eastern Cape province in South Africa.

Local Heart Surgeon Honoured with Prestigious International Award Recognising Work Done to Save Lives of South African Children Born with Congenital Heart Disease Guest: Dr. Wilhelm Lichtenberb, Founder of Young Hearts Africa The work of Young Hearts Africa, established in 2021, has to date provided life-saving surgery for 30 children with congenital heart disease (CHD), in partnership with the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in Cape Town. Over 4 000 of the 13 000 children born in South Africa with CHD need surgery in order to survive, but less than 800 of these operations actually take place in the public sector, given the dire lack of facilities and specialists, combined with the enormous costs involved. The Foundation works tirelessly to highlight the plight of these children and to raise funds to enable more life-saving surgeries to take place. Dr Wilhelm Lichtenberg, recently won a Thoracic Surgery Foundation Every Heartbeat Matters (EHM) Award. This award recognises the work done by those who conduct humanitarian surgical outreach work in underserved regions with indigent populations around the world. Of the fourteen global awards given, Dr Lichtenberg is the only African recipient.

Guest: Thulani Madondo,Executive Director  - Kliptown Youth Program He is the co-founder and current executive director of the Kliptown Youth Program, A South African youth development organisation created to help young people from the informal settlement of Kliptown and surrounding communities. Thulani himself was born in a one-room shack in Kliptown without electricity or running water, so he understands the challenges facing the youth of Kliptown. The youth program was born of a vision shared by Madondo and a small group of friends 14 years ago — to start an initiative that would help lift their community out of poverty through education — has seen KYP grow into an internationally recognised project with multiple uplifting arms. The programme provides meals for children, support with school fees, after-school care as well as educational help and tutoring to about 400 disadvantaged children from the Kliptown area. Guest 1: Virginia Magwaza – Managing Director for Parents, Families and Friends of South African Queers She is a South African social justice, black feminist activist and human rights activist who has been involved in different social justice struggles locally and internationally. Her involvement in socio-economic rights issues, environmental justice, workers’ rights, women’s and LGBTIQ+ rights, etc has been highly significant. She has vast experience working in donor organisations focusing on the Southern African region with organisations and groups working on women's issues, trade unions, human rights and LGBTIQ+ issues. She is currently formally employed in the Office of the Premier in Gauteng as the Deputy Director on the LGBTIQ+ Desk. She is a founder of an organisation known as Parents, Families & Friends of South African Queers- PFSAQ, which mobilises queer people's parents, families and allies into becoming public advocates for dignity, equality and social inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people within the society. She is the 2021 Queer Parenting Feather Awards winner, life, group and relationship coach, a well-known campaigner, public speaker and organiser.

Guest: Prof Hugh Corder, Professor Emeritus of Public Law at University of Cape Town

Guest: Daniel du Plessis,Marketing and Communications Director - Milkor

Guest: Mary De Haas, Violence monitor in KZN, an honorary Research Fellow at the University of KZN’s School of Law and a member of the Navi Pillay Research Group on justice and human rights] The issue of the death penalty is a highly controversial one, with varying opinions on either reinstating it or upholding it across different societies and cultures. It involves various considerations, from legal frameworks and human rights perspectives to the effectiveness of the death penalty as a crime deterrent. The current argument is that the high incidences of crime in the Southern Africa region, coupled with cases of repeat offenders and a decline of trust in law enforcement justify the call for the death penalty.

The NEF and local business set to create 33 new jobs in East London village. ZAD Hiring was established in 2014 by Mrs. Catherine Dunjwa, a Chartered Accountant by profession. The company currently hires out event furniture and décor items, provides floral arrangements for functions as well as décor set up and styling. “I identified the opportunity to start the business in 2011 when I struggled to find suitable service providers in the Eastern Cape for my own wedding.

Guest: Pie-Pacifique Kabalira Uwase, Director of PEM Afurika] Rwanda & University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006 Rwandan born Pie-Pacifique left his home during the genocide at 14years to safety in Canada, he later found refuge in a country he now calls his home, South Africa, where he settled in Kwa-Zulu- Natal. He is currently the Head of the Foundation for Professional Development Business School. This evening in reflection of the 30 years since the Rwandan genocide and 30 years of democracy in South Africa he’ll be zooming in on ‘how a country can rebuild and be part of the global community’ Guest 1: Prof Siphamandla Zondi - Professor of politics and international relations and the Director of the Institute for Pan African Thought and Conversation University of Johannesburg. How did South Africa clean up its image and boost international relations after the apartheid era. Guest 2: Daniel Oparison is a brand and business Growth Strategist with key focus areas in Strategic Leadership, Operations & Culture, Value Creation & Value Chain Innovation. Daniel leverages over a decade of experience in Advertising, Digital Strategy, Brand management, and human-centered, Consumer Experience design to establish sustainable growth for businesses. Daniel is currently the Head of Growth at Paga - covering Brand Strategy, Integrated Marketing, Consumer sales, Business Intelligence, and Consumer Experience. (Paga is an emerging markets mobile money and payments company in Nigeria, Ethiopia and launching in Mexico soon.)

#FreedomMonth – a reflective roundtable on what this month means from a youth perspective Guest 1: Tswelopele Makoe, Writer, Masters student at the Desmond Tutu Centre for Religion and Social Justice, and a Gender Activist Guest 2: Dr Khwezi Mabasa, Activist, Researcher and Economic and Social Policy Lead at the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in South Africa Guest 3: Leeto Ntoba, Social and Political Analyst Guest 4: Moeketsi Koahela, Education and Training Officer · Ahmed Kathrada Foundation As April unfolds in South Africa, the youth perspective resonates with profound significance. This month marks #FreedomMonth with #FreedomDay observed on April 27th, the day black South Africans voted for the first time. As the country leads up to the 2024 elections, at the back of commemorating 30 years of democracy, now is the time for young South Africans to reflect on the sacrifices made by previous generations in the struggle against apartheid, to honour the courage of those who fought for freedom and equality. Moreover, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and responsibilities faced by today's youth in advancing the ideals of democracy, social justice, and economic empowerment. Through dialogue, activism, and collective action, young people continue to shape the narrative of their country, striving for a future built on inclusivity, opportunity, and dignity for all and we have invited some of them to join the conversation as we reflect on the 30 years of democracy and mark FreedomMonth

Guest: Bulelwa Mabasa, Director and Head of the Land Reform Practice and author of Welcome to the Tuesday edition of The Viewpoint, and as tradition on the show on a Tuesday we have a guest takeover the show until the top of the hour, in which they get to sit down with two of their guests doing remarkable work, and today is no different – we have Bulelwa Mabasa – Director and Head of the Land Reform Practice at Werkmans attorney and author of My Land Obsession. Guest 1: Sewela Langeni is the owner of Book Circle Capital, an independent bookshop focusing on African Literature based at 27 Boxes in Melville, Johannesburg. She is passionate about literacy, especially in children. Sewela is a Marketing and Communications Manager at one of South Africa's leading insurance companies. Her academic background spans from Journalism, Communication Sciences to Marketing. She holds a master's degree in strategic marketing and consulting from the University of Birmingham, UK.  Guest 2: Malilomo Nkhabu A leadership and youth development enthusiast and is an experienced community development professional who is passionate about development and creating better livelihoods for communities. She is currently doing an MPhil in Development Practice with a focus on the implementation of the SDGs. She holds master’s degree in Environment and Society from the University of Pretoria and her Undergraduate and Honors degree at Monash South Africa.   Bulelwa is a leader in her field given her appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa to serve as the only attorney on the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform in 2018 and her authorship of the leading text on land reform, a publication titled Land in South Africa: Contested Meanings and Nation-Formation. Bulelwa has also contributed to major journals and publications on Land Reform and Women. Bulelwa was awarded Best in Land Rights and Best in Thought Leadership, Innovation and Academia, at the Women in Law (WOZA) awards ceremony, that was hosted in July 2022. She also published a memoir titled My Land Obsession which been shortlisted for Best Non-Fiction for 2022 by the Sunday Times Literary Awards.

Guest: Hilton Baartman, Executive Head of Rural & Mining Water at Hall Core Water The private sector can play a vital role in ensuring the right to safe water and sanitation in Africa. Inadequate infrastructure is holding back the provision of water and sanitation services in African cities, but new funding models are needed to solve the problem. The answer lies in innovative methods of private-sector financing African cities are some of the world's most rapidly expanding urban areas, but in many cases are held back by outdated, or even non-existent, infrastructure. As a result, water and sanitation services are inefficient and costly. The funding challenge is intensified by high levels of public debt and poor credit ratings in some countries, hindering efforts to mobilise private finance.

Going through a divorce can be an emotionally charged and challenging time for anyone. In addition to the many legal aspects involved, one significant consideration is spousal maintenance. If you are going through a divorce, getting clued up on spousal maintenance and how you might apply for it is a good idea. Spousal maintenance refers to the financial support provided by one spouse to the other after the dissolution of a marriage. There are three main types of spousal maintenance: temporary, rehabilitative, and permanent. The granting of spousal maintenance is subject to Section 7 of the Divorce Act, 70 of 1979. Guest:Tshepo Mojapelo, Director and attorney at Mojapelo Attorneys]

Human Rights Day commemorates the struggle of the South African people for democracy as well as for economic and racial equality. While the country has made enormous strides in providing access to schooling, with 98.8% of children aged seven to 14 enrolled in schools, providing democratic access to quality education remains a challenge. Since South Africa emerged as a democracy in 1994, the fight for equality has persisted largely owing to factors such as economic disparities and issues such as lack of resources and infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms and ill-equipped teachers in some communities, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. As South Africa enters its 30th year of democracy, we need to readdress how we look at the challenges facing education and start making concrete steps towards quality benchmarks for our students Broadened access to education in South Africa remains fundamental to equality Guest: Dr Corrin Varady, CEO of IDEA

Guest: Risimati Mathye - Deputy Director-General for Water Services Management at the Department of Water and Sanitation Water Services Authority (WSA) Summit: Who should be held accountable for what?

Aaron Naidu flies the South African flag high in Statistical Science studies  Aaron Naidu - PhD Statistical Science student 

Guest: Kirsten Alexander - Producer at EmpowaEntreprenuers Do you know what investors want and the type of funding suitable for your business?

Guest: Nthabiseng Dubazana, attorney at Dubazana Attorneys Small claims:  what do they entail and what is the quickest way to get help?

Vessel Van der Merwe, Owner of Nov Chocolate

Guest: UNICEF Chief of Communication, Guy Taylor

Life and health insurance are essential because they lessen the financial burden that comes with a death, serious illness, or disability that can keep you from earning your regular salary.  It is for this reason that it is crucial to ensure that your insurance policy is valid, so that your claim will be paid as expected. Now what happens when a giant insurance company refuses to pay out your money without a valid reason?  What is your legal right? Guest: Denise Gabriels, The Lead Ombud for the Life Insurance Division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme

Guest: Dr Johann Lamprechts, Executive Board Member of the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, essential for good vision, is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in Africa affecting more than 6 million people. Shockingly only 1 in 20 are aware they have glaucoma and 50% will be blind in one eye by the time they seek an ophthalmologist for the first time. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that 4.16% of the population aged 40 years and older are affected by glaucoma with a higher incidence among the black population (5-7%) compared to the Caucasian population (3-5%). Despite being treatable, the South African Glaucoma Society (SAGS) emphasises the major challenges faced, including lack of awareness, late diagnosis, poor follow-up visits, and low compliance with treatment plans.

Guest: Dr Sean Phillips, Director General in the Department of Water and Sanitation   Incentive based regulation is an innovative and uniquely South African response to challenges in the water sector. The Blue Drop Certification programme seeks to induce changes in behaviour of individuals and institutions to facilitate continuous improvement and adoption of best practice management of the delivery and distribution networks from abstraction to the water treatment works to the points of use. Consequently, progressive improvement and excellent performance is recognised and rewarded. The 2023 Blue Drop report provides comparative analyses and diagnostics to assist Water Services Institutions (WSIs) to focus on specific areas for improvement and restoring functionality of their water supply systems. The publication of this regulatory report has the additional objective of ensuring that the responsible WSIs are held accountable.

Guest: Chris Nissen, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission] The South African Human Rights Commission is a Chapter 9 institution tasked with dealing with cases known as human rights violations. A human rights violation is when any of your rights in the Bill of Rights are abused or violated, but they do not handle all violations because there are already a number of organisations and structures in place to deal with specific types of human rights violations, free of charge. They focus more on issues of discrimination on any of the grounds set out in the Right to Equality, matters relating to socio-economic rights; and matters where your right to human dignity is violated.

Guest: Prof. Mias de Klerk, Director of the Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies at Stellenbosch Business School  The Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies at Stellenbosch Business School has released a Manifesto for Responsible Leadership for a Better World, challenging South Africa’s leaders in business, government, civil society and the media to “stress-test” and assess themselves against its principles. As South Africa faces a looming leadership crisis amidst upcoming elections, trust in key institutions has reached unprecedented lows, according to various studies. In response to this alarming trend, there is a growing call for a shift towards responsible leadership to foster economic and social stability.

Guest: Michael Bagriam,Labour law attorney at Bagriam Attorneys South Africa’s labour legislation affords employees protection against discrimination on several grounds, including religion. This protection has at its foundation the constitutional protection of a person’s dignity. However, all constitutional rights have their limitations. These limitations are often tested in the workplace. We continue a conversation that was started last week by Bertha Charuma and Michael Bagriam… we’ll begin with a recap of one of the calls that we received last week.   21h11 – INTERVIEW: MANIFESTO FOR RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP FOR A BETTER WORLD Title:                         [• Prof. Mr.]  Name:                       [• Mias de Klerk] Position AND org.:  [• Director of the Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies at Stellenbosch Business School ] The Centre for Responsible Leadership Studies at Stellenbosch Business School has released a Manifesto for Responsible Leadership for a Better World, challenging South Africa’s leaders in business, government, civil society and the media to “stress-test” and assess themselves against its principles. As South Africa faces a looming leadership crisis amidst upcoming elections, trust in key institutions has reached unprecedented lows, according to various studies. In response to this alarming trend, there is a growing call for a shift towards responsible leadership to foster economic and social stability. The 10-point Manifesto outlines the principles of responsible leadership and proposes an alternative, transformative perspective on leadership that encourages leaders to reflect on and debate the principles of responsible leadership. 

Guest: Mpho Dagada, President of ARISE SA Mpho Dagada is a multifaceted professional whose illustrious career encompasses authorship, keynote speaking, entrepreneurship and astute investment. Rooted in his very nature, he embodies the qualities of a solution architect, a fervent communicator, and a catalyst for transforming mindsets. Moreover, he has ascended to the status of a luminary in the digital currency realm, serving as a vanguard of digital innovation, a maven of blockchain technology, and a prescient futurist. In addition to his current roles, Mr. Dagada has embarked on a remarkable political endeavor. Through his party, Arise South Africa, he aspires to become South Africa's next president. This bold aspiration stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to catalyzing change at the highest echelons of leadership.

Bheki Makhubu - Veteran Journalist Guest: Mfanasibili Sihlongonyane , Journalist  Guest: Bheki Makhubu, Editor of The National Newspaper Journalists in Eswatini continue to work under immense pressure from the country’s Monarch. For years now, journalists and human rights activists have had to flee to neighbouring countries amid attacks by the law enforcement and endless detentions. In recent news, the Eswatini monarchy and its government have asked the Mpumalanga High Court to rule that Swaziland News editor Zweli Martin Dlamini, an exiled journalist they accuse of defaming them with dozens of "wildly improbable" stories, is guilty of terrorism.

Guest: Mongezi Sihlahla , Beneficiary, farmer and former military veteran Farmers in the Eastern Cape have been given cattle and goats with superior genetics to Eastern Cape communal and smallscale farmers as part of the ongoing implementation of the livestock production improvement scheme (LPIS) by the provincial Rural Development and Agrarian Reform department. The livestock production improvement scheme (LPIS) is aimed at promoting sustainable and profitable livestock production within the resource potential farming sector and improving poor genetic make-up of livestock.

Guest: Howard Feldman, Radio host, writer and commentator  Since the devastating attack on Israel by Hamas in October 2023 and the non-ending retaliation by Israel on Palestine, some South Africans, under various groupings and formations, have traveled to Israel and Palestine to witness what the civilians are faced with. We have also seen a number of Israeli and Palestinian citizens go to several parts of the world, pleading with the international community to help put an end to their suffering.

Guest: Mongezi Sihlahla , Beneficiary, farmer and former military veteran Farmers in the Eastern Cape have been given cattle and goats with superior genetics to Eastern Cape communal and smallscale farmers as part of the ongoing implementation of the livestock production improvement scheme (LPIS) by the provincial Rural Development and Agrarian Reform department. The livestock production improvement scheme (LPIS) is aimed at promoting sustainable and profitable livestock production within the resource potential farming sector and improving poor genetic make-up of livestock.

Guest: Chad Schaefer, People Advisory Service leader at EY How can impact entrepreneurship help drive sustainable and inclusive growth in South Africa’s rural communities? Whether by accelerating the creation of quality jobs, expanding affordable access to vital goods and services or advancing the economic participation of underrepresented groups, rural development projects (if done right) will create a ripple effect that can change millions of lives. We’re in conversation with Chad Schaefer from EY South Africa and he will engage us about some of the development projects that EY is heading u in South Africa and how the impact of these projects will benefit generations to come.  

TakeOver Tuesday - How Can We Increase Youth Engagement And Voter Participation In The Upcoming National Elections’. Guest: Sentle Nell, Academic Fellow at the European University Institute Having had extensive experience as one of the youngest black women in the renewable energy sector in South Africa, Ms. Nell is currently an Academic Fellow at the European University institute (EUI) and is the founder and Managing Director at Etsahale. Etsahale is a development consultancy that focuses on demystifying climate change in Africa. SENTLE NELL Her expertise relates to strategic management of internal and external stakeholders in the host communities where Independent Power Producers (IPP’s) operate in, this provided her with a deep understanding of sustainable development complexities. She has oversight on the IFC performance standards, Equator principals, ESG global practices and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. She participates in various energy industry associations and has extensive knowledge of the Economic Development obligations, as set out by the South African Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) under the ambit of the Dept. of Minerals & Energy of South Africa. She completed her master’s in science (MSc) at the University of Sussex, focusing on climate change strategies on the African continent. Her undergraduate degree was in International Relations and Politics from the University of the Witwatersrand, she completed her Management Advancement Program from Wits Business School, which included a course at Pearson College in London, UK. As a seasoned development practitioner, speaker, and facilitator, she aligns policy dialogue among intergovernmental bodies, humanitarian, and development agendas. In 2021, she was selected as a Chevening Scholar. She was appointed as one of the McKinsey Next Generation Women Leaders for 2020 and in 2021 was appointed as a fellow in the Apolitical Academy forming part of the South African cohort. She presented at the European Parliament in 2023 on “EU-Africa Decarbonisation Strategy - State of play” and highlighted the importance of equitable funding for the continent. Her passion lies in empowering and supporting rural and isolated communities in mitigating towards Climate Change. She believes this synergy is possible with private sector and governmental support having viable discussions and viable projects for effective change. TakeOver Guests Guest: Dimpho Lekgeu, Youth Advisory Panel Member - Royal Danish Embassy in South Africa Guest:Themba Patrick Mopedi, Founder of Community Change Makers

Interview Khoi dictionary - Ensuring that Indigenous Languages Do Not Die. Guest: Mr Julius Dantile, Executive Head of Languages

Guest:Dr. Katlego Lekalakala , Member at the KeReady February is not just about hearts and flowers; it's Sexual Reproductive Health Month too! Gauteng Health dropped some stats - 40% of men visiting at health facilities presented with an STI.  In October 2023, Western Cape data showed that contraception use is taking a dip in their provinces. Ke ready is all about empowering young people to make smart moves about their bodies and relationships, plus using protection. In 2024, why are we still talking high numbers of STI infections

Guest: Dr Layckan van Gensen, Cape Town-based legal expert - Recently obtained her doctorate in Mercantile Law at Stellenbosch University (SU) If your image (physical image, voice, signature, likeness, etc.) has been used without your consent for commercial purposes, especially in the absence of a contract, proving your case in court would be difficult because South African law does not recognise the existence of a distinct image right. Because of legal uncertainty, many image rights infringement matters are settled between the parties before reaching the courts. Consequently, our courts do not get the opportunity to develop the common law as required to address these types of infringements. South African law doesn’t recognise existence of distinct image right. Image rights infringement cases settled out of court due to legal uncertainty. An individual’s image has significant commercial value. Proposed draft legislation a legal remedy for financial losses. Soundbites and photo attached

Guest: MEC Thabo Meeko, Free State MEC for Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA in short) In his 2023 State of the Province Address, Premier Hon. Mxolosi Dukwana made a commitment that the province will host the second instalment of the Free State Investment Conference as part of the government's efforts to grow the economy by harnessing investments. This year's conference will be held on 27 February 2024 at the Centenary Complex at the University of the Free State. This conference is hosted against the background where the latest statistics indicate that the Free State official unemployment rate increased to 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023; from 33.8% in the third quarter of 2022. In the third quarter of 2023 there were 727 000 employed people; 3000 jobs were lost in the same quarter. Annually, when quarter three of 2022 and quarter three of 2023 are compared, the province lost 70000 jobs. The high unemployment rate is largely due to contraction of key economic sectors such as mining, manufacturing, and construction. The Free State Provincial Government is thus excited to host this significant event, which will build up on the resolutions of the inaugural Investment Conference, which took place in October 2019. The conference will offer an interactive programme that will see government, business, academics, entrepreneurs; local and international investors, experts and other role players discuss the Free State investment opportunities, explore the emerging economic trends and find solutions to investment challenges. The investment conference will seek to promote the province as an investment destination of choice and highlight strategic investment opportunities across various sectors. The focus areas are: energy; mining and gas extraction; infrastructure; transport and logistics, as well as tourism. This instalment of the Free State Investment Conference will be held under the theme: 'Harnessing Partnerships and Stimulating Growth and Development Through Investments. What are the purpose and objectives behind hosting this investment conference? What are the focus areas of your investment conference? We are aware through your departmental social media platforms and media statements that last year, you went to Singapore and China. Is this investment conference emanated from those engagements? Free State is in the center of South Africa; it shares borders with six provinces and a country called Lesotho. Therefore, what are the investment opportunities in your province? The attraction and retention of investment as articulated by the president is key to growing the economy. Therefore, how is the investment conference going to benefit the people of the Free State, especially SMMEs? To an investor or potential funder listening and not part of the invited guests, what confidence do you share to show how Free State is committed to attracting investors? You like articulating more on value chain beneficiation. How that is approach critical to the growing of township economy? Are there any invited investors outside SA? Lastly, what happened with the program that u initiated upon arrival where you were meeting/engaging different municipalities to unlock the economic opportunities?

Guest: Moeletsi Mbeki, South African political economist The ANC has been in government ever since the end of the apartheid system of racial segregation in 1994, but its reputation as South Africa’s liberator has been eroded and its support has gradually declined. The ANC has had thirty years to demonstrate its capabilities. There is no doubting that a promising beginning was made, but the national government has been accountable for nearly everything that is dysfunctional, but it continues to attempt to centralise authority over an increasing number of things while providing very little of the "better life for all" that it has promised. Moeletsi Why do you say there is no such a thing as the sixth administration? How do you imagine a system where the President is voted for by the people and not party members? Can a party president who subsequently becomes state president, not be critiqued as a leader and how he/she lead in his/her tenure

Guest: Matshidiso Lencoasa, Feminist Economics Lead For Budget Justice Coalition Fiscal policy, gender responsive budgeting, human rights budgeting (education and health care), climate change financing] Guest:Lukhona Mnguni, Acting Executive Director at the Rivonia Circle and Political Commentator President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his eighth State of the Nation address (Sona) on Thursday in the knowledge both that there is a risk — how big or small depends on which opinion survey one reads — it could be his last and that there was little he could promise or implement in the coming months to measurably improve his electoral prospects.  We review the Presidents Administration after his first term and his last SONA President Cyril Ramaphosa was sworn in as President of the Republic of South Africa on Thursday 15 February 2018, following Jacob Zuma’s forced resignation by the ANC, pledging to root out the corruption that is blamed for undermining the economy of Africa’s most industrialised country. KEY ISSUES: Corruption, Economy and employment, power supply, water and infrastructure – progress/regress Did his cabinets speak to his SONAs/strategy Foreign affairs policy / international relations Budgets, foreign investments and social grants His notion of nation building / the “it’s in your hands” slogan COVID-19 – the multifaceted challenges it brought

Guest: Thilivhali Livhadi,Gauteng Regional Mamag at Love

Guest: Dr Nazz Daniels, Member of South African Society of Psychiatrist

Guest:Nkosinathi Ndlovu, Journalist at TechCentral

Guest: Dr Chris Van Straten, Global Health Adviso for Clinical Governance at International Attorneys

Guest: Mosotho Moepya, Chairperson of IEC

Guest: Ntuthuko Mgiba, Director and Founder of Mgiba Law Inc  A deceased estate comes into existence when a person dies leaving property or a document which is a will or purports to be a will. Such estate must then be administered and distributed in terms of the deceased's will or failing a valid will, in terms of the Intestate Succession Act, 81 of 1987. The procedure which must be followed to administer a deceased estate is prescribed by the Administration of Estates Act, 66 of 1965 (as amended). We look into everything you need to know when it comes to an estate of the deceased and how you can go about the process

Guest: Lesetja Jacob Dikgale, Executive Mayor of the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality As South Africa stands on the precipice of upcoming elections, our attention turns to the indispensable role that municipalities play in shaping the trajectory of our nation. Municipalities serve as the bedrock of service delivery, addressing the essential needs of our communities. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the  importance of municipalities, with a focus on the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM). It is important to acknowledge that municipalities are pivotal pillars in the framework of governance. As we anticipate the democratic process unfolding in our country, understanding the intricacies of municipal operations becomes paramount. These entities are tasked with providing vital services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and roads, directly impacting the daily lives of our citizens. Furthermore, municipalities are instrumental in promoting economic development, job creation, public safety, waste management, and social programs that contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.

Guest: Prof. Ms Shakila Singh, Professor in Gender education at UKZN (She is one of the task team members who developed the module)] The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is all set to commence the 2024 academic year with the roll-out of a ground-breaking initiative - the innovative Critical Social Justice and Citizenship Module. The module has been created to change prejudicial and discriminatory attitudes and address ongoing societal injustices such as GBV, racism, xenophobia and homophobia. The Module is UKZN’s bold response meant to spark a transformational journey and serve as a catalyst for change. Around 9000 first-year students will make up the majority of the first cohort to benefit from the university-wide module which will be compulsory for all first-time entry students as of 2024. It encompasses eight online lectures and eight supporting tutorials. Reflecting the inclusive nature of the module, students have a choice to engage with the learning material, lectures, and tutorials in either English or isiZulu. The module which is going to be run in both the first and second semesters of each year, challenges students to recognise a bit of themselves in everyone else and to respond with kindness, humility, and humanity.

Guest: Ayesha Kajee,South Africa-based consultant on governance, human rights and education issues In a historic ruling, the ICJ said it had jurisdiction to rule in the case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The interim ruling issued by the court ordered six provisional measures, including for Israel to take all measures to prevent genocidal acts, prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to genocide, and take immediate and effective steps to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. The ICJ also ordered Israel to preserve evidence of genocide and to submit a report to the court within a month regarding its compliance with the order. It’s unclear whether Israel will comply with the order—while the court’s decisions are binding, it has few means of enforcing the order.